Highly sensitive detection of mercury (II) in aqueous media by tetraphenylporphyrin with a metal ion receptor

We provide a highly sensitive and selective assay to detect Hg2+ in aqueous solutions using a novel beta-functionalised porphyrin-based chemosensor 5 at room temperature. The binding properties of the chemosensor 5 for cations were examined by UV-vis spectroscopy and H-1 NMR. The results indicate that a 1: 1 stoichiometric complex is formed between chemosensor 5 and mercury (II) ion. The recognition mechanism between chemosensor 5 and metal ion was discussed based on their absorbance changes and the chemical shift changes when they interact with each other. Control experiments revealed that chemosensor 5 has a selective response to mercury (II) ion compared with other metal ions.